These directions were obeyed, with the result that all reached an
upper chamber, wherein a table was cleanly and comfortably laid, as
if expecting them. French windows led out on to a quaint little
verandah at the back of the house, and the view thence was perfect.
The river below, winding between wooded banks, and everywhere the
same splendour of varied green which had delighted their eyes all
the morning. Just below the verandah was the tiled roof of an
outhouse, whereon lay a fine black and white cat, basking in the hot
sun. Ida clapped her hands.

"He's like poor old Grim," she cried. Then, turning to Waymark: "If
you are good, you may bring out a chair and smoke a cigar here after
dinner."

They had just began to eat, when footsteps were heard coining up the
stairs.

"Oh bother!" exclaimed Sally. "There's some one else a-comin',
s'nough."

There was. The door opened, and two gentlemen walked in. Waymark
looked up, and to his astonishment recognised his old friends O'Gree
and Egger. Mr. O'Gree was mopping his face with a handkerchief, and
looked red and hungry; Mr. Egger was resplendent in a very
broad-brimmed straw hat, the glistening newness of which contrasted
with the rest of his attire, which had known no variation since his
first arrival at Dr. Tootle's. He, too, was perspiring profusely,
and, as he entered, was just in the act of taking out the great
yellow handkerchief which Waymark had seen him chewing so often in
the bitterness of his spirit.